Streetcar Conductors, Timeless Power Pop that is Worth the Wait

Jonathan Moore lives and breathes music. He is a songwriter who plays drums, guitar, bass, keyboards and sings lead and harmony vocals. Multi-instrumentalists like Moore don’t need a band, they can create their sonic vision, record and produce as a solo effort, and then look for bandmates for the live show. Ironically, having all those skills doesn’t necessarily yield fast results.

Jonathan has been working on his current project, Streetcar Conductors, for four years. The project includes 30 songs from all throughout Jonathan’s musical life, from the 90’s to the present. He is a musical craftsman who is in no rush to release anything that is less than perfect.

Recently Jonathan found his ideal musical complement in multi-instrumentalist and singer, Carmen Charters. Until just a few months ago, he had been recording his current album almost completely by himself, but Carmen came along and is transforming it into an exceptional collaboration. Carmen plays keyboard, electric guitar, sings lead and harmony, and also writes her own songs.

I was fortunate enough to catch Jonathan and Carmen at the Waypost in North Portland. With its excellent sound system and intimate atmosphere, the Waypost is a wonderful venue for small acts. The video linked here is their performance of the first song Carmen ever wrote, and is just one example of this winsome duo’s talent. Streetcar Conductors released a single last year, and is planning to release a full length album next year, guaranteed to be worth the wait.